PhD Degree
The program offers training in applying modern methods of mathematical modelling and computer simulation to solve complex problems in various areas of science and engineering. Graduates will be able to assess the validity of models and reliability of numerical methods. PhD graduates will have an in-depth understanding of mathematical modelling in scientific and engineering problems, analyses of computational models and algorithms, computer simulation techniques, and experience with pursuing a challenging project. They will be prepared to
- acquire and use new scientific results in emerging fields
- pursue original research goals on both theoretical and practical application levels
- publish and present their scientific results.
All students are required to complete at least 70 credits hours beyond their BS degrees. Click for a sample PhD degree plan (Word template).
The CPS Graduate Advisor and the student’s research advisor will determine a specific list of courses for each individual student to satisfy the following requirements:
- All students are required to take MATH 6329 and the sequence CPS 6401, 6310, and 6320. These core courses are designed to provide the student with fundamental skills in mathematical modelling, numerical methods, and advanced scientific computing, which are essential in computational science.
- All students are required to take two of the prescribed electives.
- All students are required to take at least two classes in each of the following areas: computer science, mathematics, and science/engineering.
- Students entering with a BS degree are required to take 21 credit hours of free electives. Students entering with MS degrees from US institutions may qualify to count up to 15 credit hours of previous graduate level classes towards the PhD degree. These courses must be approved by the Graduate Advisor and the Executive Committee.
- All students are required to fulfil 24 credit hours of graduate and doctoral research.
- All students are required to take 6 credit hours of dissertation work (CPS 6398 and CPS 6399).
|
Course Requirements |
Entering with BS |
Entering with MS |
|
Core Courses |
13 |
13 |
|
Prescribed Electives |
6 |
6 |
|
Free Electives |
21 |
6-21 |
|
Research Courses |
24 |
24 |
|
Dissertation Courses |
6 |
6 |
|
Total |
70 |
55-70 |
Qualifying Examination
Every PhD student is required to take a two-part qualifying examination, which should be taken as soon as the student has completed all of MATH 6329, CPS 6401, CPS 6310, and CPS 6320. The first part is the theory-based part for testing the student’s understanding of fundamental concepts in computational science, and the second part is the skills-based part for testing the student’s computational skills. A doctoral student failing either or both parts of the qualifying examination will be required to do one of the following:
Every PhD student is required to take a two-part qualifying examination, which should be taken as soon as the student has completed all of MATH 6329, CPS 6401, CPS 6310, and CPS 6320. The first part is the theory-based part for testing the student’s understanding of fundamental concepts in computational science, and the second part is the skills-based part for testing the student’s computational skills. A doctoral student failing either or both parts of the qualifying examination will be required to do one of the following:
-
Leave the program;
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Repeat the part(s) of the qualifying exam when offered next time; or
-
Opt to continue with an academic or professional MS degree.
Only one retake of each part of the qualifying exam is permitted. Students are expected to pass both parts of the qualifying exam by the end of two years in the program. A student qualified to continue working towards the PhD will choose a dissertation topic and advisor(s) from the CPS faculty. The current CPS faculty list and their research areas can be found at http://www.utep.edu/science/computational-science/people/faculty-and-staff.html.
Dissertation Committee
After passing both parts of the qualifying examination, each student will choose a dissertation committee of at least 3 faculty members. The composition of the committee should meet the following requirements:
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The Committee Chair is the research advisor of the candidate.
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At least 2 other committee members must be outside of the research advisor’s department. If they are not UTEP graduate faculty members, they will need to apply for temporary membership through the Graduate School.
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At least one committee member other than the Committee Chair must be a CPS faculty.
-
At least one committee member must be from outside of the CPS Program.
Dissertation Proposal
After passing the qualifying examinations and choosing a dissertation committee, each student will select a dissertation topic in his/her research area, prepare a written dissertation proposal in the dissertation format required by Graduate School, and then defend the proposal orally in front of the committee following the same procedure for MS thesis defense. When this process is successfully completed, the student will advance to PhD candidacy. For students entering the CPS PhD program without MS degree in CPS-related areas, their dissertation proposals must also meet all CPS MS thesis requirements and they will receive the MS degree in CPS.
After passing the qualifying examinations and choosing a dissertation committee, each student will select a dissertation topic in his/her research area, prepare a written dissertation proposal in the dissertation format required by Graduate School, and then defend the proposal orally in front of the committee following the same procedure for MS thesis defense. When this process is successfully completed, the student will advance to PhD candidacy. For students entering the CPS PhD program without MS degree in CPS-related areas, their dissertation proposals must also meet all CPS MS thesis requirements and they will receive the MS degree in CPS.
Dissertation
The dissertation must demonstrate both the ability of the student to pursue independent research and his/her competence in scholarly exposition. It must contain original results related to significant problems in computational science with quality sufficient for publication in refereed journals of that field.
The dissertation must demonstrate both the ability of the student to pursue independent research and his/her competence in scholarly exposition. It must contain original results related to significant problems in computational science with quality sufficient for publication in refereed journals of that field.
Dissertation Defense
An oral dissertation defense before the dissertation committee in the form of a research seminar is required after completion of the dissertation. A close-to-final dissertation draft must be emailed to the CPS Office (computationalscience@utep.edu) at least 2 weeks before the scheduled defense date. In addition, an announcement flyer of the defense is due no later than one week before the defense date.
An oral dissertation defense before the dissertation committee in the form of a research seminar is required after completion of the dissertation. A close-to-final dissertation draft must be emailed to the CPS Office (computationalscience@utep.edu) at least 2 weeks before the scheduled defense date. In addition, an announcement flyer of the defense is due no later than one week before the defense date.
Timeline
Each student must adhere to the dissertation submission and defense deadlines listed on the Graduate School website at /graduate/current-students/completion.html and click "Doctoral Completion Timeline" on the webpage.